Chapter Text
“Have you noticed the new girl's expressions? Like, why are they so..?” Rigsby waved his hands about, and bit into his lunch.
“She's like an open book.” Cho chimed in.
“Yes! Exactly. What's up with that?”
You walked into the office space, carrying some papers. Van Pelt noticed you right as you entered through the door frame.
“Well there she is now, why don't you ask her?” She smiled at Rigsby, who started coughing from a piece of lodged sandwich.
“Ask me what?”
You put your papers down at your desk and faced your new coworkers. You had only been there for a couple of weeks at this point, and had mostly been stuck at your desk. Any chance of bettering your work relationships, you'd take it. After all, you wished to be included in the field sooner rather than later.
Rigsby shot Grace an agitated look, before promptly turning back to you.
“Well, I was just wondering.. erm.. You seem to be very expressive.” He glanced at Cho.
“Cho even mentioned you were like an open book!”
Cho avoided eye contact, obviously not happy about being dragged into this confrontation.
“I mean yea, I guess so?” You were confused on where this was going, and felt yourself starting to tense up.
“I guess I, WE..” He looked at both his colleagues, before continuing. “..were wondering why? I’m just worried if we’re out in the field, or during interrogations, that your expressions might be used against us. Give away our plans and stuff you know?” He folded his arms in an attempt to give off the vibe of an authority figure. It didn't necessarily work, but it gave him a sense of confidence.
Jane peered in through the door, casually listening in on the conversation at hand.
This was not the first time you had gotten comments on your expressions, far from it. You took a deep breath and started explaining, as you usually do.
“I can understand your concerns. I am purposefully expressive, it's a behavior I've learned over the years. I find it makes communication so much easier, in a way. We can all see if something is understood, if things are confusing or upsetting..”
Three pairs of confused eyes looked at you.
It was a learned behavior. You're usually not prone to showing emotions at all, but while growing up you saw how having just one expressive person in the room could help the group communicate and cooperate more efficiently. On top of that, you were just entirely tired of being misunderstood. Being stoic got you nowhere, so you changed your approach.
“But, you can see how it may be a concern, right?” Van Pelt tried to utter in an empathetic tone.
“I promise you it won't get in the way of work. These things can be used for both good and bad, as all things.” You smiled politely, and went back to your work.
The group scurried away into the office's kitchen, where they continued their conversation well away from you, hoping you wouldn't hear.
“No, but I AM worried she might give away way too much if she ever interacts with non-CBI people.” Rigsby was obviously agitated, huffing and waving his arms about a bit too much.
“She might let out confidential info without even knowing she's doing it..” Van Pelt reasoned.
Jane walked into the room, heading straight towards the kettle to make yet another cup of tea.
“Jane.” Rigsby slided over to him.
“hm..?” He kept his eyes on his usual blue mug.
“Do you have any ideas on how to make her stop? Any mind tricks?”
“Well..” Jane looked up at his three colleagues, now listening intently.
“..You could always do as she says. Use her expressions and openness against her. That would make anyone stop.”
There was a moment of silence before he added; “But you shouldn't do that. It would be unnecessarily cruel.”
He met their eyes, but their minds were already made up. They couldn't have you as a liability to the team.